‘We have a good mix this Season. The Company is in a good state to take on challenges, to really go to the extremes of where opera can be,’ said Kasper of the range of works to be staged during 2013/14.

On his transition two years ago from the Royal Danish Opera to Covent Garden, Kasper said ‘It’s like switching from managing FC Copenhagen to running Manchester United. The Royal Opera is incredible because it’s a company where all the big stars of the world want to perform; because of its history and tradition and because of the people we can attract it’s a really special place to work.’

Speaking of the production he himself will direct, Kasper said: ‘The challenge of Don Giovanni that it’s an incredible piece but it evokes the fantasy for all of us – who is this incredible seducer? Don Giovanni needs to be a comedy and a tragedy at once.’

On the appeal of the character of anti-hero Don Giovanni, Kasper said that the opera is ‘About a man who more than anything is hurting himself. It’s something we recognize, this restlessness where enough is never enough – we want more, more, more and this never allows us to truly enjoy where we are. It’s something that modern people recognize.’

Kasper also spoke of the challenges of the Season’s two epic productions - Les Vêpres siciliennes and Parsifal - dropping hints as to the staging of the former. He discussed exciting new works, both in the ROH’s Linbury Studio Theatre and at Shakespeare’s Globe, and his thoughts on cast cancellations and the importance of opera in cinemas.

Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja was also a guest on the programme.

Listen to the interview:

Kasper also took part in a web chat with Classic FM this morning, answering audience questions about the upcoming season and the health of opera as an art form.